When I was sixteen I became an Islamic fundamentalist. Five years later, after much emotional turmoil, I rejected fundamentalist teachings and returned to normal life and my family. I tried to put my experiences behind me, but as the events of 7/7 unfolded it became clear to me that Islamist groups pose a threat to this country that we Muslims and non-Muslims alike do not yet understand.

This is the first time an ex-member openly discusses life within radical Islamic organisations. This is my story.

Back when the book was launched in the UK, news of the publicity storm The Islamist made even the front page of the International Herald Tribune: